And just like that the poor oni are defeated for another year👋
#Kyoto #京都 #Setsubun #節分 #Japan #Rozanji #廬山寺 #鬼踊り #onidance #spring
Rozan-ji's 'Genji-no-tei' (源氏庭) was designed in 1965, inspired by Heian period gardens. Kikyō offer the only real colour.
White gravel is shaped into a pattern known as 'Genji Kumogata' (源氏雲形), imitating the gold clouds seen on 'The Tale of Genji' scrolls.
Although oni are a common sight at Setsubun, Rozan-ji (廬山寺) has an origin story for its own 3 demons.
When the temple's founder, Ryōgen (良源 912-85), was in training he was bothered by 3 troublesome oni (or spirits, depending on what version of the tale you read).
Legend has it that Ryōgen cast out the irritating oni with the power of prayer and a waving of his 'sanko' (三鈷 'trident vajra').
The 3 colours of the oni symbolize the 'sandoku' (三毒 the '3 kleshas').
In Buddhism kleshas are mental states that cloud the mind, poison the heart, and manifest in unwholesome actions.
❤️ = greed and desire (貪欲)
💚 = ill-will and anger (瞋恚)
🖤 = ignorance and folly (愚痴)
🫘👹🪓DANCING DEMONS❤️💚🖤
One of Setsubun's (節分) liveliest festivals takes place at the small temple of Rozan-ji (廬山寺).
At 3pm three oni (one red, one green, one black) appear before the main hall. Clasping flaming torches and mean-looking weapons, they begin a slow and stomping dance!
Rozan-ji (盧山寺) was originally founded at the southern foot of Funaoka-yama (船岡山) in 938 by Ryōgen (良源/慈恵大師). Its first incarnation was known as Yogan Kongō-in (與願金剛院).
It remains the head temple of the Enjō School of the Tendai sect (圓浄宗).
And just like that the poor oni are defeated for another year👋
#Kyoto #京都 #Setsubun #節分 #Japan #Rozanji #廬山寺 #鬼踊り #onidance #spring
Rozan-ji's (廬山寺) 'Tsuina-shiki Oni-no-Hōraku' (追儺式鬼法楽 'Driving Out Demons through Piety') ends as most Setsubun celebrations do with the oni cast out.
Arrows are symbolically 'fired' in all directions to dispel misfortune for the year ahead.
#Kyoto #京都 #Setsubun #節分 #Japan #Rozanji #廬山寺 #鬼踊り #onidance #spring
Camellia Tea Ceremony